The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part III

Gem Proof 1877 $2.50

A Classic Rarity

Just 20 Proofs Struck

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239     1877 Proof-65 (PCGS). A delightful gem Proof with frosty orange-gold devices and deep mirror fields forming a pleasing cameo contrast. A few flecks can be seen at Liberty’s truncation and shoulder. A prized rarity, one of perhaps 12 to 15 survivors from a Proof mintage for the date of just 20 pieces. This bright little gem is easily among the finest known of the surviving coins, and worthy of careful examination and consideration as such.

The 1877 Proof quarter eagle combines multiple appeals, as do a number of pieces of this era. First, the 1877 is one of the most famous dates in American numismatics—due primarily to the lower denominations—the Indian cent, nickel three-cent piece, and Shield nickel—which have been highly prized for generations. Second, on an absolute basis, the rarity of the Proof 1877 eagle is unquestioned. Mintage figures can’t get much smaller than just 20 coins, and the survival quantity is even less. Moreover, related circulation strikes are key issues. Just 1,632 coins were made for general commerce, and most of them became lost, strayed, or melted over the years.

A date run sequence of Proof quarter eagles such as found in the present Bass III is a very rare occurrence in American numismatics, with only a handful of such instances taking place during the past century. With the present sale we are again at a rendezvous with numismatic destiny.

PCGS Population: 3; 1 finer (Proof-66).

Date logotype deeply impressed, date slightly low and to the right, top of 1 noticeably farther from truncation than bottom is to dentils, left edge of lower serif over space between dentils, bases of 1 and 8 even, first 7 lower, second 7 lower still (as on the 1877 Indian cents), upper right of that numeral near back point of truncation. Curiously, the obverse field appears to be lightly buckled below Liberty’s chin, at the point of her bust, and around the date. This is a very subtle feature and is noticeable only when the coin is held at an angle to the light, so that the field reflection is in one’s eye. No doubt this is common to all Proof strikings, but the auction literature is largely silent regarding minute variations and idiosyncrasies of Proof dies (of any gold coin date).

From RARCOA’s sale of August 1978, Lot 702.

Choice Proof 1878 $2.50

Just 20 Struck

Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS


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240     1878 Proof-64 (PCGS). A rich golden cameo with frosty motifs and deep mirror backgrounds. The overall eye appeal is that of a Proof-65 quarter eagle (but no example has ever been certified at this level by PCGS).

Similar to the 1877, the 1878 registers a Proof mintage of just 20 examples, with perhaps a dozen traced today. Year in and year out the 1878 quarter eagle has been revered as a prime rarity—and only the most aggressive bidders have ever been able to acquire one.

As is true of all other Proof quarter eagles of this era, the American Numismatic Society Collection contains an example as does the National Coin Collection in the Smithsonian—removing two specimens forever from competition. Some other Proofs have been impaired. The number of truly beautiful choice Proofs, such as the Bass Collection coin, is very small.

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

Date logotype moderately impressed, date nicely centered horizontally and vertically, lower right serif of 1 noticeably thin and attenuated, bottoms of 8s somewhat slender.

Regarding historical appearances of the Proof 1878 quarter eagle at auction, the editor (QDB) would be pleased to share data with the successful purchaser. As these words are being written, information is still being compiled from catalogues ranging from virtually the time of issue down to the present year.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of November 1970, Lot 1605.

241     Trio of 1878-S quarter eagles, displaying widely varied mintmark positions: I AU-58 (2). Both display lustrous yellow gold surfaces I AU-53. Lustrous. (Total: 3 pieces)

This lot illustrates two distinctly different mintmark positions, neither of which greatly increases the rarity of the individual pieces or the value of the lot, but mentioning the varieties is certainly worth our time. The first of these (of which just one example is included here) has a small, compact S mintmark that is fairly well centered and equidistant from the talon and end of the arrow shaft, as well as from the fraction numerator below. The S is positioned just to the right of center in a position directly above the numerator. On the second variety (of which there are two specimens), the same small, compact S mintmark is placed far to the right, between the bottom arrow feather and the olive branch, at a fair distance from those two locators at the top of the S, but perhaps twice as far from them as the bottom of the mintmark is from the top of the D in the denomination. The right side of the mintmark is positioned over the left edge of the upper serif of the D in the denomination, while the top end of the fraction bar is directly opposite the lower serif of the mintmark.

The concept of studying quarter eagles for logotype variations and, in particular, mintmark placement variations is hardly new, and many citations date back to the early 20th century, with some scattered entries even earlier. Among offerings of the second half of the 20th century—by which time there was already a large repertoire of listings—the most prominent is the catalogue of the Thomas G. Melish Collection by Abe Kosoff, 1956.

Landmark Proof 1879 Rarity

Only About a Dozen Known

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242     1879 Proof-64 (PCGS). Rich orange-gold on mirror fields and moderately frosted motifs. A few faint hairlines and a hint of cloudiness in the fields account for the grade. The overall appeal is very strong—a reflection of Harry W. Bass’ connoisseurship.

The mintage of 30 pieces is reported, but it might as well have been 20 pieces (which figure may be closer to the actual distribution), for only a dozen or so different are known today. The 1879 is one of the key Proof issues in an era laden with rarities—it joins the other pieces in the present sale as being a numismatic landmark.

PCGS Population: 7; 3 finer (Proof-66 finest).

Date logotype nicely impressed and nicely centered as well, bottom of 8 nearly "filled" with die roughness apparently composed of three horizontal lines.

From Stack’s sale of October 1970, Lot 952.

Memorable 1880 Proof Rarity

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS

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243     1880 Proof-65 (PCGS). Deep orange-gold with frosted devices and mirror fields. One of 36 Proofs of the date produced, with perhaps two dozen or so of those available to today’s collectors. While not as rare as certain other contemporary Proof issues, the demand for Proofs of this date is increased by the low mintage figure for circulation strikes, that being just 2,960 pieces. A pleasing specimen that will surely enjoy spirited bidding activity—another dazzling entry in this truly memorable lineup of Coronet Head quarter eagle Proofs in the Bass Collection.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

Date logotype lightly impressed, the numerals thin. Date slightly high, top of 1 moderately closer to truncation than bottom is to dentils.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 692.

Impressive Proof 1882 $2.50

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244     1882 Proof-65 (PCGS). Delightful orange-gold highlights on frosted motifs and reflective mirror fields. One of 67 Proofs of the date struck, a noticeable increase over the smaller quantities of the previous decade. Perhaps as many as 35 or so examples of this date can be traced, making this one of the more available Proof quarter eagles of the 1880s, but in an absolutely sense, any coin of which there are only 35 known is a rarity. An aesthetically appealing coin that stands on its own as one of the nicest in existence.

PCGS Population: 8; 5 finer (Proof-66).

Date logotype lightly impressed, slightly lighter at the top than the bottom, 1 in date moderately closer to dentils than truncation, left edge of lower serif over center of a dentil, date also slightly right.

Purchased from William Youngerman, February 17, 1972.

Gem Proof 1883 Quarter Eagle

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245     1883 Proof-65 (PCGS). Rich yellow gold with warm orange highlights. The moderately frosted design elements form a modest cameo contrast with the deep mirror fields. From a Proof mintage for the date of 82 pieces. Considerably rarer today than the mintage figure suggests, with about 30 or so different pieces known to exist. The typical example is apt to be Proof-60 or thereabouts, with gems such as the Bass Collection coin being in the distinct minority.

As is true of nearly all quarter eagles of this decade, Proofs are sought by numismatists who desire a high-grade example of the date, for circulation strikes are exceedingly rare at the gem level. In the present instance, only 1,920 circulation strikes were made—creating a notable rarity. Yet another opportunity for the connoisseur and specialist.

PCGS Population: 7; 3 finer (Proof-66).

Date logotype nicely impressed, date centrally located between truncation and dentils, and placed slightly right of center. In his Encyclopedia, Walter Breen notes: "Proofs come with high or low date." The present obverse may represent Breen’s high or low date, in which case the other obverse would have to have the date placed noticeably higher or lower than the date is on the current specimen.

As a rule the Proof mintage figures for quarter eagles after 1880 increased dramatically above the production figures from earlier decades, reaching a high of 223 Proofs in 1901.

In our ongoing survey of American gold coins it has become dramatically evident that while gold dollars of the 1880s were saved by numismatists, jewelers, investors, and others, and today exist in most instances in fairly generous proportion to their original mintages (and the same is somewhat true for certain $3 pieces of the era), quarter eagles are an exception. Writing on another subject, (that of mintmarked issues) in 1893, Augustus G. Heaton stated that he did not know of a single numismatist who collected eagle-reverse coins by mintmark sequence (the eagle reverse referring to pieces with a Coronet Head obverse). Seemingly, although Proof Coronet Head quarter eagles were acquired by collectors who saved such pieces by date, the concept of saving or investing in circulation strikes was not known. Probably this is because the $1 and $3 denominations, which were saved, were targets for discontinuation, and available supplies were squirreled away in anticipation that the $1 and $3 would become rare. However, no plans were aired (regarding the discontinuation of the quarter eagle), and thus it was simply an ordinary denomination attracting no investment interest. For numismatists interested in such things, we further mention that after the discontinuation of the gold dollar and $3 piece in 1889, the quarter eagle became the lowest denomination gold coin of the realm. Thus, from 1890 onward this denomination was popular for gift giving and largely took the place of the gold dollar in this regard. Because of this, and also from other considerations, most but not all Coronet Head quarter eagles of the 1890s and early 20th century are relatively easy to find in such grades as MS-63, MS-64, and in most instances, MS-65. Learning how gold coins were actually used in commerce and elsewhere has been one of the most fascinating parts of our current gold coin research. Many fascinating aspects have come to light through long forgotten newspaper articles, banking journals, Treasury Reports, Mint correspondence, and other sources.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1979, 3130.

Gem Proof 1884 Quarter Eagle

Another Classic Rarity

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246     1884 Proof-65 (PCGS). A delightful golden cameo with frosty motifs and mirror fields in pleasing contrast to each other. From a fairly sizeable Proof mintage for the date of 73 coins, with about 40 or so specimens from that mintage accounted for today. Of the available specimens, some are known to be impaired, making gem Proof specimens of the date even more appealing. The rarity of circulation strike 1884 quarter eagles is notable, with gems being almost unobtainable from the tiny production of 1,950 pieces. See our little "essay" under the preceding lot for details.

PCGS Population: 5; 2 finer (Proof-66).

Date logotype nicely impressed into die. Date well centered horizontally and vertically, 1 marginally closer to truncation than to dentils, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. A fine die line connects the lower point of the 4 to the lower loop of the 8. Upon close inspection it would seem that the portrait of Miss Liberty has a fine granular or matte surface, giving it a very nice aspect; the interior of the ear has a highly polished Proof surface.

From Quality Sales Corporation’s sale of September 1973, Lot 1083.

Exciting 1885 Proof $2.50

Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS

Incredibly Low Related Circulation Mintage

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247     1885 Proof-66 (PCGS). Delightful orange-gold brightness on both sides. A superbly beautiful gem Proof quarter eagle. The frosty devices and mirror fields present a pleasing cameo contrast. From a Proof mintage for the date of 87 pieces, with perhaps half that number available to today’s collecting community. Of the survivors from that mintage, some are known to be impaired. Easily one of the finest known Proofs of the date. We do not recall ever seeing a nicer one.

Again we are confronted with a rarity of multiple appeals, in the present instance there being only 800 circulation strikes, making the 1885 a key date in any format or grade level. We can readily imagine that this piece will be one of the foremost treasures in the cabinet of the successful bidder.

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

Date logotype evenly (if somewhat lightly) impressed into the die, date fairly high. Top of 1 close to truncation; a small notch has been taken from there to allow the numeral to fit. Left edge of lower serif of 1 over center of a dentil. On the reverse, some horizontal lines are seen near the top of the vertical shield lines.

From Stack’s sale of the Scanlon Collection, October 1973, Lot 2133.

Gorgeous Gem Proof 1886 Quarter Eagle

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248     1886 Proof-65 (PCGS). Rich orange-gold highlights on frosty motifs and mirror fields. A nearly flawless Proof except for some marks above the eagle’s head on the reverse (might the coin have been called Proof-66 otherwise?). A rare date in any format; just 88 Proofs and 4,000 business strikes were produced. We estimate that about 40 or so Proofs of the date can be located today, making it one of the more available Proof issues but, in an absolute sense, a rarity.

PCGS Population: 5; 2 finer (Proof-66).

Date logotype evenly punched, if somewhat lightly; the low-profile numerals seem to float on the mirror field. Top of 1 marginally closer to truncation than bottom is to dentils, edge of lower left serif over right side of dentil, small knob of 6 nearly touches loop below. On the reverse, a series of faintly raised lines joins the rim to the tip of the eagle’s wing and the tops of AMERI; they seem to be continuation lines of the dentils, perhaps remnants of the die engraving stage.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, December 21, 1971.

Impressive Gem Proof 1887 $2.50

Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS

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249     1887 Proof-65 (PCGS). A beautiful coin in all regards. Rich orange-gold mirrors support frosty motifs. From a Proof mintage for the date of 122 pieces, of which perhaps three or four dozen are known today. Likely, many and possibly the majority were spent or unsold. The present specimen is easily one of the finest Proofs of the date extant, a coin that matches the quality of the specimen we sold in the Childs Collection (August 1999, Lot 619). Worthy of close attention by the buyer who appreciates the incredible combination of high grade, rarity, and beautiful eye appeal.

PCGS Population: 5; none finer.

Date logotype entered sharply but not deeply, date numerals high, 1 nearly touches truncation, a small notch provided for the top of the numeral, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil, top right of 7 nearly touches truncation as well, bottom of the numeral nicely away from dentils.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 700; ex B. Max Mehl.

Gem Proof 1888 Quarter Eagle

Another Marvelous Classic

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250     1888 Proof-65 (PCGS). Bright golden orange with mirrored fields and lightly frosted motifs forming a delightful cameo contrast. Sharply struck and aesthetically appealing. One of 97 Proofs of the date struck (see below), with perhaps as many as 50 of those still accounted for. One of a small cadre of dates in the quarter eagle series that might be called available in Proof format—that is, one does not necessarily have to wait years to acquire a gem specimen. However, gem Proofs of any date are an entirely different story, and the present specimen is certainly a cut above the typically offered Proof of this date.

PCGS Population: 6; 3 finer (Proof-66).

Date logotype nicely impressed and centered, date a tiny bit higher than center, top of 1 marginally closer to truncation than bottom is to dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil, a noticeable notch can be seen in the upper outer edge of the lower loop of the second 8, a diagnostic not seen on Proofs of the previous or following years. Both the Guide Book and the David Akers reference on the quarter eagle denomination give the Proof mintage for this date as 97 pieces, while Walter Breen’s Proof Encyclopedia and his 1988-dated Complete Encyclopedia give the mintage as 92 pieces.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 702.

Lovely Gem Proof 1889 $2.50

A Classic Proof Rarity


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251     1889 Proof-65 (PCGS). Rich orange iridescence on deep golden mirrors and lightly frosted motifs; the cameo effect is modest yet enchanting. From a fairly small Proof mintage for the era, one of 48 Proofs of the date produced, a sharp drop from the stated mintage of the previous year. Only about two dozen or so of that number can be traced today. "One of the real ‘sleeper’ dates in the series in Proof," notes the timeless David W. Akers reference. It is difficult to imagine a nicer example of the date at the assigned grade level.

PCGS Population: 5; 1 finer (Proof-66).

Date logotype entered heavier at the 1 than at the 9, date nicely centered both horizontally and vertically, left edge of lower serif of 1 over right edge of dentil. Some diagonal die finish lines can be seen on the reverse among the vertical shield stripes.

Although the facts are not known, it probably was the case that by 1889, the Mint had grown tired of striking Proofs on speculation, keeping them in drawers where they awaited possible sale, and then melting or spending the unsold pieces later. The production quantity for 1889, just 48 pieces, may have represented the actual demand for examples of the date. If so, it might be logical to assume that the Proof mintage for the previous year, 97 (or 92) pieces, may have yielded sales of just 48 or 50 coins. Conversely, there may have been a demand for more than the 48 Proofs struck in 1889, and perhaps the Mint decided it was better to have too many on hand than too few, for the Proof mintage rebounded the following year to 93 pieces. Unfortunately, the facts are few where the issue is concerned.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 704.

Outstanding Gem Proof 1890 $2.50

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS

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252     1890 Proof-66 (PCGS). Delightful orange-gold iridescence on both sides. An impressive cameo Proof with deeply mirrored fields and heavily frosted devices in lovely contrast to each other. From a Proof mintage for the date of 97 pieces, slightly more than double that of the preceding year. Estimates as to surviving Proof examples of the date range from 25 to 50 pieces; we suspect the higher of those two figures is closer to the truth. Regardless of the actual quantity known today, the interested bidder will be hard pressed to find a finer example than that offered here. A beautiful coin with outstanding aesthetic appeal.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

Date logotype deeply impressed, date slightly low, top of 1 about twice the distance from the truncation as the bottom is from the dentils, lower left edge of serif over center of dentil.

From Paramount’s sale of February 1973, Lot 997.

Attractive Gem Proof 1891 $2.50

Another Spectacular Rarity

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253     1891 Proof-65 (PCGS). Attractive yellow gold with some deeper orange-gold highlights. From a Proof mintage for the date of 80 coins; from which number about two dozen or so can be traced. By any accounting, the 1891 Proof is a rarity at any numerical level, and with the Proof-65 designation it is a prime rarity.

PCGS Population: 10; 1 finer (Proof-66). The density of population at the Proof-65 level suggests that one or more of those specimens may have been submitted more than once to PCGS for a grading opinion.

Breen-6311. Repunched date.

Date logotype deeply punched and nicely centered, both horizontally and vertically. Bases of 891 boldly repunched; this later fades from the die.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3113.

Superlative Proof 1892 $2.50

Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS

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254     1892 Proof-66 (PCGS). A glittering golden orange gem with deep mirror fields and frosted motifs forming a strong and pleasing cameo contrast. The strike is sharp and the overall appeal is substantial. A few tiny copper toning areas are noted on the reverse. From a Proof mintage for the date of 105 pieces, with perhaps up to half of that mintage currently known. The presently offered coin is the ready equivalent of the beautiful gem Proof specimen we offered as Lot 624 in our sale of the Walter H. Childs Collection in August 1999. How marvelous it is that another specimen has come to hand—another gem that will attract wide attention.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

Date logotype deeply impressed. Large, wide date with generous spacing between the numerals, top of 1 close to truncation, lower left serif closer yet to dentils, edge over right side of dentil, dentils "scooped" to allow the base of the 1 to fit. Liberty’s portrait crisscrossed with fine raised die lines. No visible repunching at stars or date.

In the catalogue for Part II of the John J. Pittman Collection (May 1998), David Akers wrote: "Doubling is visible on stars 1 to 4 as well as at the base of the 1 in the date... this is a Proof-only variety, and all Proof 1892 quarter eagles are this same variety." The present specimen is one of the final issues from the die, as any trace of doubling has disappeared in the mentioned areas.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3114.

Superb Proof 1893 Quarter Eagle

Tied for Finest Seen by PCGS

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255     1893 Proof-66 (PCGS). Rich yellow gold with lively orange-gold highlights. Lightly toned fields. Of the 105 Proofs of the date struck, only about one third of that number can be accounted for today. A superb gem, a marvelous coin that is exceeded in quality by no other piece examined.

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

Breen-6314. "Partly double punched date. Lower knobs of extra 93 just left of 93."

From an early state of the obverse, with remnants of all four numerals visible to the left of the existing numerals and within the lower loops of the 8 and 9 (cf. Childs, August 1999, Lot 625, for same die state); this fades later (Breen obviously saw a later die state).

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3115.

Gem Proof 1894 Quarter Eagle

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256     1894 Proof-65 (PCGS). Deep yellow gold with frosted motifs and deeply mirrored fields; the cameo contrast is sharp and delightful. An outstanding gem Proof coin in all respects. From a sizeable Proof mintage for the date of 122 pieces, with perhaps five to six dozen of that number available today; collectors seeking a lovely Proof Coronet quarter eagle will have only a modicum of difficulty locating a specimen of this date to suit their needs, although finding one at the Proof-65 level would be a challenge. Avoid the challenge: bid liberally on the present piece!

The preceding said, we now mention the related low business strike production—just 4,000 coins, one of the smallest of the era, with no smaller figure recorded for the rest of the Coronet Head series. This aspect places additional market demand upon the existing Proofs and increases there desirability.

Date logotype nicely impressed, date nicely centered horizontally and vertically, 1 equidistant and fairly close to truncation and dentils. Tiny round "wart" (Walter Breen’s appellation for the die anomaly) on Liberty’s chin, a diagnostic of all Proofs of the date and denomination.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3116.

Gem Proof 1895 Quarter Eagle

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257     1895 Proof-66 (PCGS). Lively yellow gold with a whisper of olive iridescence on lightly toned fields. The Proof mintage for this date totaled 119 pieces, but probably not all were distributed. About 70 or so are known today, most of which fall far short of the piece offered here in quality. If you have been patiently waiting to acquire a superb gem, this coin beckons. Another date where gem examples are available to those with the patience to wait for one.

Date logotype sharply impressed, date numerals well centered both horizontally and vertically.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3118.

Exquisite Proof 1896 $2.50

Finest Certified by PCGS

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258     1896 Proof-67 (PCGS). Heavily frosted devices appear to float in a deeply mirrored sea of deep gold. A simply superb Proof of the highest order; the physical quality of this piece is outweighed only by its exquisite aesthetic appeal. Probably the finest known survivor from a Proof mintage for the date of 132 pieces. Perhaps half that number is available to today’s collectors, and it would certainly take an immensely pleasing and physically perfect coin from among that group to exceed the charm and appeal of the present specimen. The present coin is finer than Lot 628 of our sale of the Childs Collection (August 1999), which was then tied for finest certified by PCGS; this coin takes "finest certified" to a new level. A major highlight in a sale that is chock full of major highlights, and a coin that speaks volumes about the collecting "eye" of Harry W. Bass, Jr.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Date logotype evenly impressed, top of 1 marginally closer to truncation than bottom is to dentils, left edge of lowest serif over left side of dentil, space between date numerals progressively wider from left to right, lower loop of 9 closed, ball firmly joined to top loop.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3119.

Gem Proof 1897 $2.50

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259     1897 Proof-65 (PCGS). Lustrous yellow gold with a touch of orange iridescence. Lightly frosted motifs and mirror fields form a light but pleasing cameo contrast. A tiny lint mark on Liberty’s chin is mentioned for accuracy. Although the Proof mintage is recorded at 136 pieces, large numbers must have remained unsold, for today only 50 or so are believed to exist—placing the coin squarely in the rarity category.

Date logotype deeply impressed, top of 1 marginally closer to truncation than bottom is to dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of a dentil, numerals widely spaced, 9 and 7 closer than other numerals are to each other.

Reverse with interior of shield mostly matte—with a very slight amount of die polish.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3123.

Impressive Gem Proof 1898 $2.50

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS

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260     1898 Proof-67 (PCGS). Deep yellow gold with lively olive highlights. The devices are heavily frosted and the fields are deeply mirrored, with strong cameo contrast present on both sides. The mintage this year was recorded as 165, but probably far fewer were actually distributed. About half that quantity is known to exist today. Of the remaining pieces, the coin offered here is superb in its aspect and is exceeded in quality by none other of which we are aware.

PCGS Population: 7; none finer.

Date logotype deeply impressed and nicely centered horizontally and vertically, 1 in date slightly closer to truncation than dentils, left edge of lowest serif over left edge of dentil below.

On the reverse the entire center of the shield is completely matte,—with not even a hint of die polish—a very unusual feature.

On a visit to the Engraving Department at the Philadelphia Mint in the 1970s, Dave Bowers was shown the original four-digit logotype punch used to make quarter eagle dies of this year; presumably it is still there.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3126.

Superb Cameo Proof 1899 $2.50

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261     1899 Proof-67 (PCGS). A delightful cameo gem Proof—a coin of fantastic quality and eye appeal. A coin such as this is truly marvelous—and the opportunity to acquire it is almost as rare as the coin itself.

PCGS Population: 5; 1 finer (Proof-68).

Date logotype deeply entered into the die and well centered, 1 equidistant between truncation above and dentil below, raised die line from base of T in LIBERTY diagonally across to center of Y on coronet.

Reverse with Proof polish within the shield elements, in contrast to the style of the preceding two years.

From Quality Sales Corporation’s sale of September 1973, Lot 1104.

Choice Proof 1900 Quarter Eagle

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262     1900 Proof-64 (PCGS). A decidedly choice specimen. Frosted devices are set against a deep mirror background creating a delightful cameo presence. The Proof mintage of this year amounted to 205 pieces, of which perhaps a third survive today, indicating that many must have been spent or were not distributed in the first place. Definitely a choice specimen which, when its fantastic eye appeal is added, will stand right alongside pieces that have been given a numerical designation of Proof-65.

Date logotype deeply entered into the die and well centered. Some microscopic doubling at the first two date digits is mentioned by Breen and is scarcely noticeable. Raised die line from base of T in LIBERTY on the coronet to the hair below that letter. On the reverse, a faint die line extends the point of the olive branch.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 128.

Gem Proof 1901 Quarter Eagle

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263     1901 Proof-65 (PCGS). Deep yellow gold with frosty devices and mirror fields with light toning. A whisper of olive iridescence adds to the overall appeal. One of 223 Proofs of the date struck, by far the largest Proof figure of the design type. However, most have disappeared into limbo, and today one would be hard pressed to account for more than 100 different examples. Among these, relatively few have attained the Proof-65 number when submitted to a grading service.

Date logotype nicely impressed, first 1 in date about equidistant between truncation and dentils, left edge of lowest serif over center of dentil below, 9 and 0 widely spaced, bottom of 9 higher than bottom of preceding 1, bottom of 0 noticeably higher than the bottoms of all other numerals, raised die lines seen on Liberty’s neck and shoulder. Reverse die lines can be seen in the vertical shield stripes.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3133.

Superb Gem Proof 1902 $2.50

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264     1902 Proof-66 (PCGS). A highly reflective yellow gold gem (see below). While the Proof mintage for the date is fairly high, with 193 examples being struck, the incidence of high-grade gems such as the present specimen is still quite low. A great opportunity to obtain one of the finest examples of the date extant.

PCGS Population: 5; 1 finer (Proof-67).

Date logotype nicely impressed, 1 in date about equidistant between truncation and dentils, left edge of lowest serif over right edge of dentil below, a small raised lump is seen at the top curve of the 2.

Beginning in 1902, and lasting to the end of the design type in 1907, the portrait of Miss Liberty on quarter eagles has a reflective finish. The Proofs of 1901 and earlier have a cameo appearance as a result of frosted motifs and mirrored fields.

From Quality Sales Corporation’s sale of September 1973, Lot 1112.

Gem Proof 1903 Quarter Eagle

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265     1903 Proof-65 (PCGS). A glittering golden orange gem specimen of this popular date. Of the 197 Proofs of the date produced, probably no more than one third of that amount can be traced today. Again we mention that the Bass Collection offers a truly marvelous opportunity—a virtually complete presentation of splendid Proof coins from 1859 onward. Not only is the comprehensive aspect remarkable, but the quality is superb. Except in instances many decades ago when original gold Proof sets were brought out of hiding, uniform high quality such as in the Bass Collection has been rarely seen—except for scattered coins.

Apparently from a different obverse die than the Proof-65 example of the date we offered as Lot 632 in Part II of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, October 1999. The date logotype on the present specimen is nicely impressed and well centered both horizontally and vertically, the 1 equidistant between the truncation above and dentils below, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil below, bottom of 3 somewhat distant from dentils as well.

In this year the person finishing the Proof dies at the Philadelphia Mint decided to lightly polish the portraits on the dies, more so on the quarter eagle series than in 1902 (when the portrait was polished for the first time). As noted in our earlier description, this became standard for the rest of the Coronet Head quarter eagles.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of October 1970, Lot 3136.

Lovely Gem Proof 1904 Quarter Eagle

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266     1904 Proof-66 (PCGS). Rich golden orange with a modest cameo contrast; this date appears as such occasionally, perhaps more so than any other date after 1902. Scarcer than its mintage figure of 170 pieces indicates; probably only half that number can be accounted for today. Walter Breen noted that this date is "More often than not nicked and scratched and/or cleaned." This lovely high quality gem Proof is in direct contradiction to that statement!

Date logotype deeply impressed, bottom of 1 marginally closer to dentil than top of numeral is to truncation, left edge of lower serif close over center of dentil below. Portrait not as highly polished as on 1903 Proofs.

Purchased from Mike Kirzner, August 11, 1971.

Choice Proof 1905 $2.50

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267     1905 Proof-63 (PCGS). Highly reflective yellow gold with some attractive olive iridescence noted. Of the 144 Proofs of the date struck, we estimate 100 or slightly more pieces may still be extant. The present piece is about par for a coin found in a fine collection of Proof gold—not up the level of the other Bass coins, but certainly able to hold its own with most other "name" cabinets.

Date logotype evenly impressed and nicely centered, both horizontally and vertically, bottom of 1 marginally nearer to dentils than top is to truncation, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil below, that dentil lightly "scooped" at the top to allow for the date’s placement.

From Paramount’s sale of February 1973, Lot 1004.

Lovely Gem Proof 1906 $2.50

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268     1906 Proof-66 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold with some attractive orange-gold highlights. The devices are somewhat frosty and present a modest cameo contrast, particularly on the reverse; this date is most often found fully reflective on devices and fields. One of 160 Proofs of the date struck, with perhaps 125 or so specimens known to exist today. The outstanding eye appeal and impeccable physical quality of this gem are certain to generate generous bidding competition.

Date logotype deeply impressed, date high, top of 1 very close to truncation, bottom distant from dentils, left edge of lower serif high over left edge of dentil, 9 and 6 closed, ball of each numeral connected to the loop. Two raised and somewhat prominent die lines can be seen near the rim at the fourth and fifth stars. Two other raised lines of equal prominence jut into the field from the upper bridge of Miss Liberty’s nose, and several smaller lines descend downward from Liberty’s chin, giving a "whiskered" effect to her portrait.

From Quality Sales Corporation’s sale of September 1973, Lot 1122.

269     1907 MS-63. Lustrous honey gold with iridescent olive highlights. A pleasing coin for the grade.

Date logotype deeply impressed, date low, bottom left serif of 1 heavily joined to right edge of dentil, top distant from truncation, repunching seen in upper loop of 9, right top of 7 virtually touches truncation.

From New Netherlands’ sale of April 1972, Lot 949.

Lovely Proof 1910 Quarter Eagle

"Roman Finish" Proof Surfaces

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270     1910 Proof-64 (PCGS). A delightful Proof with satiny yellow gold surfaces. Sharply defined devices and smooth fields. The mintage was reported as 682, a truly wild figure. Perhaps the first digit was transcribed in error and should have been 182 or 282 (see notes below).

From 1908 to 1915, with the exception of this 1910-dated issue, Proof mintages ranged from 100 to 236 coins, with an average of 164 coins per issue. Furthermore, the average PCGS population for these issues ranges from 34 to 90 coins with an average of 49 coins per issue. For 1910, PCGS has graded 58 coins. The table below illustrates total mintage and population, including our revised estimate of 182 coins for the 1910 issue. An alternative possible mintage of 282 coins is shown in italics.

Date      Mintage      PCGS Population      Percentage Certified

1908      236           90                38%

1909      139           36                26%

1910      182           58                32%

1910      282           58                21%

1911      191           61                32%

1912      197           36                18%

1913      165           36                22%     

1914      117           53                45%

1915      100           34                34%

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, December 16, 1971.